The Thomas Fire burns along a hillside near Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

Paul Mattesich hands a jar to his wife Erica Mattesich while sifting through rubble at his family's Ventura, Calif., home following a wildfire on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

Heavy smoke covers the seaside enclave of Mondos Beach beside the 101 highway as flames reach the coast during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017.
California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

Bree Laubacher pauses while sifting through rubble at her Ventura, Calif., home following a wildfire on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. A barbecue smoker and her son's batting cage survived the blaze.

Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty Images

A house is threatened by wildfire along Linda Flora Drive during the Skirball Fire in Los Angeles, California, Dec. 6, 2017.
The "Skirball" fire ignited before 5 a.m. (1300 GMT) and quickly engulfed some 50 acres, with forecasters predicting the 25-mile-per-hour winds could cause further spreading, threatening multi-million dollar homes and the acclaimed Getty Center museum.

Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty Images

A firefighter opens a gate to investigate a house threatened by the Creek Fire burns along a hillside near homes in the Shadow Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California on Dec. 5, 2017.
More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

John and Julie Wilson sort through the remnants of their burnt out home after the Thomas wildfire swept through Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017.
California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.

Kyle Grillot, AFP/Getty Images

The Creek Fire burns behind a ranch gate in the Shadow Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
More than a thousand firefighters were struggling to contain a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California on December 5 that has left at least one person dead, sent thousands fleeing, and was choking the area with thick black smoke.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

A firefighter hoses down flareups at the two story Hawaiian Village Apartment complex that burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.

David McNew, Getty Images

Ranch hand Anthony Martin hoses down smoldering stalls where some of the 29 horses were killed by the Creek Fire at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

A wall stands in the burnt out Vista del Mar Hospital after the Thomas wildfire swept through Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017.
California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.

David McNew, Getty Images

A burned classic car is seen in Little Tujunga Canyon during the Creek Fire on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, California. Strong Santa Ana winds are pushing multiple wildfires across the region, expanding across tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of homes and structures.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

A woman involved in a traffic accident waits to get towed beside a wall of flames on the 101 highway during the Thomas wildfire near Ventura, California on Dec. 6, 2017.
California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

Paul and Erica Mattesich embrace before sifting through rubble at their Ventura, Calif., home on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The family lost their house when the Thomas fire tore through their neighborhood on Colina Vista.

Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images

A Bel Aire mansion threatened by the Skirball Fire in west Los Angeles, California, Dec. 6, 2017.
California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno Wednesday as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions.

Ryan Cullom, Ventura County Fire Department via The Associated Press

In this photo provided by the Ventura County Fire Department, firefighters work to put out a blaze burning homes early Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif. Authorities said the blaze broke out Monday and grew wildly in the hours that followed, consuming vegetation that hasn't burned in decades.

Chris Carlson, The Associated Press

A resident flees a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

Firefighters try to knock down a burning house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee. / AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTONMARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

Firefighters try to save a house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

A house burns during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

A burnt out car and house is seen during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on December 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee. / AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTONMARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

Firefighters battle strong winds as they try to save a house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

Firefighters try to knock down a burning house during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

James and Josie Ralstin carry belongings from their Ventura, Calif., home as flames from a wildfire consume another residence on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. The couple evacuated early Tuesday morning as the fire approached, but returned to retrieve medications and other property.

Jae C. Hong, The Associated Press

Flames rise as a home is consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

Flames consume a home on Via Arroyo as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

James and Josie Ralstin carry belongings from their Ventura, Calif., home on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. The couple evacuated early Tuesday morning as a wildfire approached, but returned to retrieve medications and other property.

Jae Hong, The Associated Press

Flames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Jae Hong, The Associated Press

Flames rise near a home as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

Flames consume a home on Via Arroyo as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.

Homeowner Alan Barnard walks past the remains of his RV from a wildfire in the Lake View Terrace area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

A man watches flames consume a residence as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A man waters his home as firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A man prepares to evacuate his home as a wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

A burning ember flies through the air as winds fan a wildfire in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said. / AFP PHOTO / RINGO CHIURINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A firefighter battles a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on December 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said. / AFP PHOTO / RINGO CHIURINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A man waters his home as firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

A woman evacuates her home as a wildfire burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

TOPSHOT - Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

Smoke rises behind a leveled apartment complex as a wildfire burns in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Over 100 structures have burned so far in Ventura County, officials said.

Ringo Chiu, AFP/Getty Images

Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns along a hillside near homes in Santa Paula, California, on Dec. 5, 2017.
Fast-moving, wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County Monday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, officials said.

Noah Berger, The Associated Press

Mike Eliason, a public information officer with Santa Barbara County Fire, passes a burning home as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.

Jae C. Hong, The Associated Press

A man rides his bike past a home consumed by a wildfire Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Ventura, Calif.

Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images

Michael and Vonea McQuillam stand beside their house that was burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California on Dec. 5, 2017.
Firefighters battled a wind-whipped brush fire in southern California that has left at least one person dead, destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and forced tens of thousands to flee.

VENTURA, Calif. – Firefighters continued to battle blazes across a large swath of Southern California on Saturday, and state officials warned that continued high winds into Sunday could create erratic fire conditions, leaving residents with little chance of a reprieve from the flames and smoke that have lasted nearly a week.

The Thomas Fire here, in a coastal region northwest of Los Angeles, remained the largest active wildfire in the state, having burned through nearly 150,000 acres and taking with it more than 500 buildings and at least one life. Though officials began lifting evacuation orders in Ventura – to the south of the fire – residents in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, enclaves along Highway 101 further northwest, were still under threat as the fire’s northern vanguard continued to move.

Officials said that expected winds, which could strike up at a moment’s notice and had been pushing the fires toward populated areas, remained a concern. They also lamented the brutal fire season, which has sent massive fires into urban areas up and down the state.

“This is kind of the new normal,” Gov. Jerry Brown, D,said at a news conference Saturday in Ventura County. “We’re facing a new reality in this state, where fires threaten people’s lives, their property, their neighborhoods and, of course, billions and billions of dollars.”

“I know that’s maybe a little remote, but it’s real, and we’re experiencing what it’s going to look like on a very regular basis,” he said.

Authorities said the Thomas Fire had moved quickly – 14 miles in its first night last week – and is just 15 percent contained. It has destroyed 537 structures and outbuildings and has damaged another 118, including those of numerous low-income families who have few options for housing. Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett, speaking during a town hall that drew hundreds of people Saturday, said the board is planning to unveil a rental assistance plan to help those in need.

“There are a number of low-income people who have been burned out,” Bennett said. “Many of us are going to have to open up our homes.”

There are 4,000 firefighters trying to contain the blaze, and authorities said the firefighting costs have reached nearly $17.5 million.

Though there were a few positive signs in Los Angeles County to the south – officials reported Saturday that the Creek Fire and Skirball Fire were 80 percent and 50 percent contained, respectively – red flag warnings of heightened fire risk remain in place through Sunday, when winds could peak at around 50 mph. That could combine with extremely low humidity to create severe fire conditions, as the fire’s fuel – abundant vegetation and trees – remain dry.

In San Diego County, firefighters continued to battle the Lilac Fire, which started Thursday morning and spread quickly. Residents who fled described rapidly moving flames.

“Oh my God, the heat, the heat,” Clifford Sise, a horse trainer who had to evacuate while trying to get his horses out of San Luis Rey Downs, a racehorse facility in San Diego County where it is believed dozens of horses died in the fire. “One of my fillies wouldn’t leave, she burned to death in like one minute. I had ’em all out, and then when I went back after, I must’ve had two little babies run back in their stalls and they died.”

The human death toll from the fires so far has been low, with authorities reporting one confirmed fire-related death: Medical examiners in Ventura identified a body found Wednesday as Virginia Pesola, 70, from Santa Paula. Pesola died of “blunt force injuries with terminal smoke inhalation and thermal injuries” in a traffic incident during “active fire evacuation,” according to the county medical examiner.

The streets of downtown Carpinteria were empty on Saturday as a smoke-filled haze continued to hang over the city. Yet Esau’s Café, which sits in the heart of downtown on Linden Avenue, remained open – and busy at that. While most businesses are still closed, Esau’s has been serving the firefighters and those who lost their homes.

“We kept it open and served those that needed help, the firemen and those that lost their homes,” said Taylor Stanley, 30, the manager at Esau’s. “We gave out free meals to them. We have good air circulation in here so we stayed open just so people could get out from under the smoke.”

For residents of Carpinteria, the smoke presents nearly as much of a risk as the fire; authorities have reported dangerous air quality in the area that they described as “off the charts.”

“I have five stents in my chest,” said Christina Garcia, 55. “I had three heart attacks last year. I’m just trying to make sure this doesn’t get into my filtration.”

On Saturday, face masks were in high demand throughout Ventura County. An employee at Home Depot in Oxnard said the store had ordered them in bulk, and had 12 pallets of masks on hand – far more than the usual two – and that they were selling briskly. An employee at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Ventura said they had sold out of face masks on Saturday morning.

Across the region, people who fled recounted fire and smoke that seemed to come from everywhere.

Ventura residents Christie and Mark Evans, both 35, also were forced to evacuate on short notice. The couple had received the keys to their newly purchased home on Colina Vista Street on Dec. 1, and started the process of moving in last weekend.

Christie Evans – who is 8½ months pregnant with her second child – spent Monday readying their new home, locking up around 6:30 p.m. before returning to her recently sold house.

It was the last she was would see of the new home.

“Around 8, my brother called and said there was a fire . . . that was moving toward Ventura,” she said.

Mark Evans decided to head to the new house to retrieve the family pet, a 35-year-old rescue tortoise named Sheldon, who was hibernating in the garage. Once inside, he hurriedly grabbed a wedding album, some important paperwork and the tortoise.

On Tuesday, while at her parents’ house with her 17-month-old son, Christie Evans was watching the news with her mom and sister. What she saw stunned her.

“There was my driveway – and there was no house,” she said.

Like most of the houses on the block, it was a total loss. They have returned once, only to find the street smoldering with small fires caused by gas leaks.

“It didn’t seem like anything that would happen in real life,” she said. “The Christmas presents are all gone, the Christmas decorations are all gone, all of that stuff. Luckily my son is young enough where he doesn’t really understand Christmas, but we still want him to have some good memories of it.”

Ufberg reported from Carpinteria, California, and Wang reported from Washington. Noah Smith in Ventura and Angela Fritz in Washington contributed to this report.

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